Pet Christmas portraits at the rowan hotel | Palm Springs, Ca
As I made my way through the vibrant streets of Palm Springs, a sense of excitement surged through me. Today, I was going to be capturing the most adorable pet holiday portraits at the renowned Rowan Hotel. As a pet photographer, I always jump at the chance to combine my love for photography with my passion for animals, and being asked back to set up a portrait studio for the hotel guests, for a 3rd time this year, is nothing short of exciting.
Entering the Rowan Hotel's luxurious lobby, the friendly staff greeted me as I set up my equipment near the Window Bar. Beautiful garland filled with red cranberries adorned the set walls, just behind a gorgeous blue sofa. Smiles filled the lobby as I responded to guests' questions with, "I'm photographing the hotel's pet guests today". I even had a few run upstairs to return with their best friend.
Witnessing families and their beloved pets, all clad in their holiday best. From majestic dogs in reindeer antlers to tiny pups rocking festive collars, the array of furry friends before me was adorable. It was heartwarming to witness the genuine bond between these pets and their owners, showcasing the unconditional love that exists between them.
As I began photographing, my mind raced with ideas to capture the essence of the holiday season through these portraits. They were illuminating their expressions of joy and capturing the sparkle in their eyes. The set provided a unique backdrop, adding a touch of Christmas charm to the photographs.
It wasn't long before I encountered my first challenge - wrangling energetic pets for the perfect shot. Some pups couldn't resist the commotion of onlookers, making it a task to keep their attention on the camera. Others were a little camera-shy, needing a few moments to feel comfortable in this new environment. But as a seasoned pet photographer, I had a few tricks up my sleeve. I used toys, treats, and even silly noises to capture their attention and reveal their true personalities.
One of the most memorable moments came when Blanche, the adorable bunny, decided to take matters into her own paws. As her owner attempted to position her for a portrait, she would gracefully leap from one side of the couch to the other, much to everyone's amusement. Although slightly unexpected, these spontaneous moments added an element of playfulness and candidness to the portraits, making them even more endearing.
As the photoshoot continued, so did the laughter, joy, and heartfelt moments. Families shared stories about their pets' humorous antics, the patience required to dress them up in cute holiday outfits, and the profound impact these furry companions had on their lives. The pets reveled in the attention, expressing their love and gratitude for their owners in their unique ways.
Hours flew by as I clicked away, capturing timeless memories for these families to cherish. Before I knew it, the last portrait was taken, and the room began to quiet down. As I packed up my equipment, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experience I had just witnessed. The bond between pets and their humans is truly remarkable and being able to document it through my lens was a privilege that I cherished.
Leaving the Rowan Hotel, I couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for this opportunity. As a pet photographer, I am constantly reminded of the love and joy these animals bring into our lives. Through these holiday portraits, I had the privilege of freeze-framing those precious moments, allowing them to be cherished for years. And for that, I will always be grateful.
Happy Holidays!
Ps…..If you're interested in scheduling a session or have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out. Contact me
Vincent Sandoval | Palm Springs Pet Photographer
Capturing all that is quirky, innocent, sincere & truly remarkable about a pet’s life.